FundaÃÃo Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Cientifico e TecnolÃgico / O termo âassaltoâ à usado no cotidiano referindo-se à aÃÃo de um ou mais indivÃduos, comumente armados, que abordam outras pessoas para roubar os seus bens. Embora esse termo nÃo seja empregado no CÃdigo Penal Brasileiro, hà sanÃÃo prevista para o crime de roubo, cuja descriÃÃo à similar à definiÃÃo de assalto. O roubo apresenta uma considerÃvel gravidade por pressupor o uso da forÃa, podendo levar as vÃtimas a Ãbito. AlÃm disso, danos decorrentes de um roubo restringem a capacidade dos indivÃduos de exercer adequadamente diversos papÃis, como o parental, conjugal e ocupacional, acarretando em prejuÃzos significativos nas relaÃÃes interpessoais em diversos ambientes, tais como familiar, escolar e laboral. Em face desses elementos, o presente estudo tem como principal objetivo avaliar o impacto cognitivo, emocional e comportamental da vitimizaÃÃo por roubo. Especificamente, espera-se estimar se e quais variÃveis situacionais especÃficas contribuem para maiores sequelas nas vÃtimas e avaliar em que medida os fatores protetivos e agravantes, apontados pela literatura, apresentam relevÃncia em contexto local. Para alcanÃar os objetivos propostos, foram realizados dois estudos empÃricos. Nesses estudos, contou-se com a participaÃÃo de 348 pessoas de diversos estados do Brasil. O Estudo I comparou vÃtimas e nÃo-vÃtimas no que se refere aos fatores apontados como possÃveis complicaÃÃes decorrentes do crime, enquanto o Estudo II avaliou o impacto individual de variÃveis contextuais especÃficas nas diversas sequelas decorrentes do crime e o efeito especÃfico dos fatores protetivos. Como resultado, pode-se observar, no Estudo I, que as vÃtimas e nÃo-vÃtimas se diferenciaram quanto a ansiedade, medo do crime, percepÃÃes de vulnerabilidade e autoeficÃcia, alÃm da tomada de algumas medidas de proteÃÃo. No Estudo II, observou-se que somente as estratÃgias de Controle e Retraimento, ConversÃo e Aditividade apresentaram relaÃÃo com os impactos analisados. O Suporte Social nÃo apresentou qualquer relaÃÃo com as consequÃncias do roubo. Tais resultados foram discutidos com base na literatura. Considera-se que os objetivos da presente dissertaÃÃo tenham sido alcanÃados uma vez que foi possÃvel analisar os impactos decorrentes da vitimizaÃÃo por roubo e seus correlatos que apresentam mais destaque na literatura. Contudo, pode-se apontar algumas limitaÃÃes na pesquisa, como a dimensÃo reduzida da amostra e qualidade de algumas medidas utilizadas. Para pesquisas futuras, sugere-se a utilizaÃÃo de amostras maiores, alÃm da adaptaÃÃo prÃvia das escalas para contexto local e a realizaÃÃo de estudos longitudinais. / The term mugging is used in the everyday referring to the action of one or more individuals, commonly armed, who approach other people to steal their property. Although this term is not used in the Brazilian Penal Code, there is an expected penalty for the crime of robbery, whose description is similar to the definition of mugging and differs from the crime of theft. Robbery is more serious because it presupposes the use of force, which can lead to death. In addition, damages resulting from a robbery restrict the ability of individuals to properly exercise various roles, such as parental, marital and occupational, resulting in significant impairment in interpersonal relationships in various settings, such as family, school, and work. In view of these elements, the present study has as main objective to evaluate the cognitive, emotional and behavioral outcomes of robbery victimization. Specifically, it is expected to estimate if and which specific situational variables contribute to greater sequelae in the victims and to evaluate to what extent the attenuating and aggravating factors pointed out in the literature are relevant in the local context. In order to achieve the proposed objectives, two empirical studies were carried out: Study I compared victims and non-victims with regard to factors identified as possible complications of crime, while Study II assessed the individual impact of specific contextual variables in the various sequelae and the specific effect of mitigating factors. As a result, it can be observed in Study 1 that victims and non-victims differed in terms of anxiety, fear of crime, perceptions of vulnerability and self-efficacy, and the taking of some protective measures. In Study 2, it was observed that only Control and Retraining, Conversion, Addiction strategies presented a relation with the analyzed impacts. Social Support was not related to the consequences of the robbery. These results were discussed based on the literature. It is considered that the objectives of this dissertation have been reached since it was possible to analyze the impacts of robbery victimization and its correlates that are more prominent in the literature. However, it is possible to point out some limitations in the research, such as the reduced size of the sample and the quality of some measures used. For future research, we suggest the use of larger samples, besides the previous adaptation of the scales to local context and the realization of longitudinal studies.

The relationship between mass-transit and the concentration of burglary and robbery crimes is inconsistent within the available literature in environmental criminology. A number of studies have provided evidence of crime concentration at and near mass transit locations where paths intersect, referred to as a node. These empirical studies bring in environmental criminology theory with the idea that crime is clustered, and the pattern of the concentrations is substantially influenced by how and why people travel and move in a city. It is suggested that public transit allows for a large proportion of the population to move around the community along a restricted number of destinations and paths; therefore, this concentration of population frames opportunities, and increases overall concentrations of crime. Establishments and environments surrounding transit nodes may act as crime generators or attractors, as a high influx of people are drawn to the area via nearby transit services. More recent literature has identified contrasting results, finding that crime does not concentrate near mass transit areas. In some cases, transit facilities appear to act as protective nodes, with lower counts of crime occurring in and around these locales. Given the conflicting results of existing research about crime at and near transit nodes, this study advances work in environmental criminology by analyzing the concentration of burglary and robbery events in Portland, Oregon. Recognizing that crime concentrations may vary depending on the level of analysis, this study explores crime concentrations at multiple levels of analysis. At the macro-level, this study examines burglaries and robberies across Portland as a whole to determine whether these events concentrate around mass transit nodes, when compared to other areas of the city. The meso-level examines within the broad category of mass transit, to explore whether burglary and robbery events cluster differently around different types of mass transit. Finally, the micro scale investigates the five highest-crime transit nodes to explore how burglary and robbery events concentrate in close proximity to these important locations. This study finds that while crime concentrates at higher levels surrounding mass transit nodes within Portland, the patterns of this concentration changes as the spatial level of analysis changes.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a prelude to the Anatomy Act of 1832, which indulged the anatomists’ scientific ambition, granting a legitimate and sufficient source of cadavers to dissect legally. When read in concert with the history of anatomy and the historical record of body snatching, including case law and anatomy legislation, Frankenstein exemplifies the issues in medico-legal history at the turn of the nineteenth century, for Victor Frankenstein and the Creature’s stories are set amid the context of anatomical study, grave-robbery, crime, punishment and the illicit relationship between medicine and murder. This thesis accordingly addresses the medico-legal history of anatomy, the anatomist’s ambition and complex inhumanity, and the mingled identity of the anatomical subject as illegitimate and criminal. This analysis demonstrates that Frankenstein sheds light upon the anatomist’s ambition, the identity of the human cadaver, and the bioethical consequences of meddling with nature.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a prelude to the Anatomy Act of 1832, which indulged the anatomists’ scientific ambition, granting a legitimate and sufficient source of cadavers to dissect legally. When read in concert with the history of anatomy and the historical record of body snatching, including case law and anatomy legislation, Frankenstein exemplifies the issues in medico-legal history at the turn of the nineteenth century, for Victor Frankenstein and the Creature’s stories are set amid the context of anatomical study, grave-robbery, crime, punishment and the illicit relationship between medicine and murder. This thesis accordingly addresses the medico-legal history of anatomy, the anatomist’s ambition and complex inhumanity, and the mingled identity of the anatomical subject as illegitimate and criminal. This analysis demonstrates that Frankenstein sheds light upon the anatomist’s ambition, the identity of the human cadaver, and the bioethical consequences of meddling with nature.

A presente dissertação de mestrado verificou empiricamente a influência do tráfico de entorpecentes nos delitos de homicídio e roubo em 32 metrópoles da América Latina, por meio da análise dos delitos reportados por jornais diários dessas cidades nos anos de 2006 e 2011. O objetivo deste estudo foi mensurar o impacto em nível continental do comércio ilegal de drogas na prevalência de outros delitos, levando em consideração outras variáveis contextuais. A partir do entendimento de que a criminalidade urbana possui forte componente endógeno de organização, a hipótese central foi a de que o narcotráfico foi o principal impulsionador do surto de violência vivenciado nesta região do planeta. Para medir o peso desta atividade ilegal sobre outros crimes, empregou-se a metodologia quantitativa. Por meio de análises estatísticas multivariadas, as taxas de homicídio e roubo foram analisadas levando-se em consideração variáveis endógenas, como o tráfico, e variáveis de controle, de caráter exógeno à criminalidade. Os achados sociológicos demonstraram uma influência expressiva do narcotráfico na dinâmica dos dois crimes. No caso dos roubos, a relação detectada entre as taxas (criadas a partir dos delitos reportados) foi positiva e forte nos dois períodos pesquisados. Os homicídios, todavia, foram influenciados pelo comércio ilegal de drogas apenas no primeiro recorte temporal. No segundo momento pesquisado, são os roubos, influenciados pelo tráfico, que passam a impactar na prevalência de assassinatos em nível continental. / This dissertation presents an empirical verification of the influence of narcotics trafficking in the crimes of murder and robbery in 32 cities in Latin America, through the analysis of crimes reported by newspapers of those cities in the years 2006 and 2011. The aim of this study was to measure the impact at a continental level of illegal drug trade in prevalence to other crimes, taking also into account contextual variables. From the understanding that urban crime has a strong endogenous organizational component, the central hypothesis was that drug trafficking was the main factor of the outbreak of violence experienced in this region of the planet. To measure the weight of this illegal activity on other crimes, we used a quantitative methodology. Through multivariated statistical analysis, the rates of the three offenses were tested with control variables exogenous in relation to the crimes. The sociological findings are that there is a significant influence of the drug trade in the dynamics of the two crimes. In the case of robberies, the relation between crime rates was positive and strong in both periods studied. Homicides, however, were influenced by the drug trafficking only in the first period of time researched. In the second period researched, the rate of robberies (influenced by drug dealing) was the variable that impacted most in the prevalence of murders at a continental level.

A presente dissertação de mestrado verificou empiricamente a influência do tráfico de entorpecentes nos delitos de homicídio e roubo em 32 metrópoles da América Latina, por meio da análise dos delitos reportados por jornais diários dessas cidades nos anos de 2006 e 2011. O objetivo deste estudo foi mensurar o impacto em nível continental do comércio ilegal de drogas na prevalência de outros delitos, levando em consideração outras variáveis contextuais. A partir do entendimento de que a criminalidade urbana possui forte componente endógeno de organização, a hipótese central foi a de que o narcotráfico foi o principal impulsionador do surto de violência vivenciado nesta região do planeta. Para medir o peso desta atividade ilegal sobre outros crimes, empregou-se a metodologia quantitativa. Por meio de análises estatísticas multivariadas, as taxas de homicídio e roubo foram analisadas levando-se em consideração variáveis endógenas, como o tráfico, e variáveis de controle, de caráter exógeno à criminalidade. Os achados sociológicos demonstraram uma influência expressiva do narcotráfico na dinâmica dos dois crimes. No caso dos roubos, a relação detectada entre as taxas (criadas a partir dos delitos reportados) foi positiva e forte nos dois períodos pesquisados. Os homicídios, todavia, foram influenciados pelo comércio ilegal de drogas apenas no primeiro recorte temporal. No segundo momento pesquisado, são os roubos, influenciados pelo tráfico, que passam a impactar na prevalência de assassinatos em nível continental. / This dissertation presents an empirical verification of the influence of narcotics trafficking in the crimes of murder and robbery in 32 cities in Latin America, through the analysis of crimes reported by newspapers of those cities in the years 2006 and 2011. The aim of this study was to measure the impact at a continental level of illegal drug trade in prevalence to other crimes, taking also into account contextual variables. From the understanding that urban crime has a strong endogenous organizational component, the central hypothesis was that drug trafficking was the main factor of the outbreak of violence experienced in this region of the planet. To measure the weight of this illegal activity on other crimes, we used a quantitative methodology. Through multivariated statistical analysis, the rates of the three offenses were tested with control variables exogenous in relation to the crimes. The sociological findings are that there is a significant influence of the drug trade in the dynamics of the two crimes. In the case of robberies, the relation between crime rates was positive and strong in both periods studied. Homicides, however, were influenced by the drug trafficking only in the first period of time researched. In the second period researched, the rate of robberies (influenced by drug dealing) was the variable that impacted most in the prevalence of murders at a continental level.

The nature and extent of vehicle hijacking is increasing world-wide. Vehicle hijacking is also one of the most serious crimes the South African Police Service has to deal with. The climate of violence that currently exists in South Africa and the need for more knowledge concerning priority crimes necessitate research on this topic. Although research that has been undertaken in South Africa to date focuses on the nature and extent of vehicle hijacking as well as the victim’s experience of the event, little empirical information exists regarding the modus operandi of offenders and the victim’s role in the commission of the crime. On account of this it was decided to investigate the planning, operational and escaping phases which reflect the modus operandi of the hijacker. An attempt was also made to determine the extent to which victims are vulnerable to vehicle hijacking and how individuals could contribute to their victimisation. To test the research expectations and hypotheses, 110 victims and 12 vehicle hijackers were involved in the study. A mailed questionnaire was sent to the victims, while interviews were conducted with 12 hijackers in the Pretoria Central Prison. Based upon the analysis and interpretation of the data it was found that most hijackers spend at least some time on the planning of a vehicle hijacking. They also considered both the positive (namely the financial advantage gained from hijacking) and the negative aspects (namely injuries, death, arrest and imprisonment) associated with committing the crime. Analysis of the data shows that vehicle hijacking does not occur involuntarily and that hijackers select specific targets. Although the misconception exists that the vehicle and the motorist are equally important during the selection of the target, the findings show that the vehicle which is on order, serves as the main reason for target selection. The race of the motorist as well as the number of passengers in the vehicle are the only two variables that influence hijackers not to select an identified target. Furthermore, it seems evident that the presence of policy officials is the only environmental factor that will deter a hijacker from committing the crime. The findings also show that hijackers prefer a specific day, time, place and circumstances to hijack a vehicle and that hijacking is a group activity that is executed by two to four males. Verbal threats as well as violence form part of the hijacking. It appears that race and occupation are the only two demographic variables that influence vulnerability. The make and value of the vehicle as well as the number of passengers in the vehicle could increase a victim’s potential risk for victimisation. The findings show that victims cannot be held accountable for a vehicle hijacking. Victims rarely neglect to take the necessary precautions against victimisation, enter potentially dangerous situations and/or drive recklessly. Based upon that findings, certain conclusions with regard to the aims of the study are reached. Based on this, recommendations are made concerning further research as well as suggestions regarding the prevention of vehicle hijacking. / Thesis (DPhil(Criminology))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Social Work and Criminology / Unrestricted

A presente dissertação de mestrado verificou empiricamente a influência do tráfico de entorpecentes nos delitos de homicídio e roubo em 32 metrópoles da América Latina, por meio da análise dos delitos reportados por jornais diários dessas cidades nos anos de 2006 e 2011. O objetivo deste estudo foi mensurar o impacto em nível continental do comércio ilegal de drogas na prevalência de outros delitos, levando em consideração outras variáveis contextuais. A partir do entendimento de que a criminalidade urbana possui forte componente endógeno de organização, a hipótese central foi a de que o narcotráfico foi o principal impulsionador do surto de violência vivenciado nesta região do planeta. Para medir o peso desta atividade ilegal sobre outros crimes, empregou-se a metodologia quantitativa. Por meio de análises estatísticas multivariadas, as taxas de homicídio e roubo foram analisadas levando-se em consideração variáveis endógenas, como o tráfico, e variáveis de controle, de caráter exógeno à criminalidade. Os achados sociológicos demonstraram uma influência expressiva do narcotráfico na dinâmica dos dois crimes. No caso dos roubos, a relação detectada entre as taxas (criadas a partir dos delitos reportados) foi positiva e forte nos dois períodos pesquisados. Os homicídios, todavia, foram influenciados pelo comércio ilegal de drogas apenas no primeiro recorte temporal. No segundo momento pesquisado, são os roubos, influenciados pelo tráfico, que passam a impactar na prevalência de assassinatos em nível continental. / This dissertation presents an empirical verification of the influence of narcotics trafficking in the crimes of murder and robbery in 32 cities in Latin America, through the analysis of crimes reported by newspapers of those cities in the years 2006 and 2011. The aim of this study was to measure the impact at a continental level of illegal drug trade in prevalence to other crimes, taking also into account contextual variables. From the understanding that urban crime has a strong endogenous organizational component, the central hypothesis was that drug trafficking was the main factor of the outbreak of violence experienced in this region of the planet. To measure the weight of this illegal activity on other crimes, we used a quantitative methodology. Through multivariated statistical analysis, the rates of the three offenses were tested with control variables exogenous in relation to the crimes. The sociological findings are that there is a significant influence of the drug trade in the dynamics of the two crimes. In the case of robberies, the relation between crime rates was positive and strong in both periods studied. Homicides, however, were influenced by the drug trafficking only in the first period of time researched. In the second period researched, the rate of robberies (influenced by drug dealing) was the variable that impacted most in the prevalence of murders at a continental level.

Criminal career research postulates that offending behaviour develops over time during the course of one’s life. Thus, delinquency is not an isolated incident which occurs at a certain moment in time. This research comprises a mixed-method study of the criminal career of 40 offenders who perpetrated robberies against the banking and CIT industries. Through this research, an exploration is made for possibilities of using criminal career research to develop results which will guide crime prevention policies. The qualitative methodology used for this research included semi-structured interviews in order to collect information on motivations of armed robbers and the various mechanics (i.e. planning, recruitment, group dynamics) of the crime of armed robbery. Through the use of structured questionnaires, biographical data, information on risk factors and figures on the different aspects of a criminal career, such as age of offending onset, offending frequency and seriousness, and career length, were all gathered. The general findings of this research demonstrate that offending onset occurs between the ages of 11 and 15 with petty crimes, and then escalates to serious crimes. Secondly, witnessed throughout the dissertation is the fact that development of delinquent behaviour is not a result of a single risk factor but an outcome of multiple risk factors. Subsequently, a suggestion is made for the introduction of multifaceted deterrence programmes, which will holistically deal with the various offending risk factors (i.e. family, community and the offender’s personal risk factors as well as peer and school dynamics). Thirdly, armed robbers are responsible for various other crimes in the process of committing the offence of robbery. Accordingly, this study confirms the criminal career notion that a small number of chronic offenders are responsible for a large number of offences. That is why it is recommended that policy makers pay attention to disrupting the criminal career of this small number of high risk offenders. / Department of Criminology and Security Science / M.A. (Criminology)

Criminal career research postulates that offending behaviour develops over time during the course of one’s life. Thus, delinquency is not an isolated incident which occurs at a certain moment in time. This research comprises a mixed-method study of the criminal career of 40 offenders who perpetrated robberies against the banking and CIT industries. Through this research, an exploration is made for possibilities of using criminal career research to develop results which will guide crime prevention policies. The qualitative methodology used for this research included semi-structured interviews in order to collect information on motivations of armed robbers and the various mechanics (i.e. planning, recruitment, group dynamics) of the crime of armed robbery. Through the use of structured questionnaires, biographical data, information on risk factors and figures on the different aspects of a criminal career, such as age of offending onset, offending frequency and seriousness, and career length, were all gathered. The general findings of this research demonstrate that offending onset occurs between the ages of 11 and 15 with petty crimes, and then escalates to serious crimes. Secondly, witnessed throughout the dissertation is the fact that development of delinquent behaviour is not a result of a single risk factor but an outcome of multiple risk factors. Subsequently, a suggestion is made for the introduction of multifaceted deterrence programmes, which will holistically deal with the various offending risk factors (i.e. family, community and the offender’s personal risk factors as well as peer and school dynamics). Thirdly, armed robbers are responsible for various other crimes in the process of committing the offence of robbery. Accordingly, this study confirms the criminal career notion that a small number of chronic offenders are responsible for a large number of offences. That is why it is recommended that policy makers pay attention to disrupting the criminal career of this small number of high risk offenders. / Department of Criminology and Security Science / M.A. (Criminology)